{"id":428,"date":"2017-11-28T21:18:39","date_gmt":"2017-11-29T02:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/?p=428"},"modified":"2017-12-28T14:34:38","modified_gmt":"2017-12-28T19:34:38","slug":"november-december-2017-god-and-natural-disasters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/blog\/2017\/11\/28\/november-december-2017-god-and-natural-disasters\/","title":{"rendered":"November\/December 2017 – God and Natural Disasters"},"content":{"rendered":"

God and Natural Disasters <\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in [different] places. All these are the beginning of [birth pangs] ” <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>Matthew 24:7-8<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By Mike Wingfield<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

North America has recently experienced some horrific and deadly natural disasters. When calamities of this magnitude occur, some people ask questions about God’s role and why He allows such tragic results. Some want to point their finger at God and say it is not fair that He allows these tragedies to take place. In direct opposition to this, others see these disasters as a part of a blind fate that awaits all of us. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Due to acceptance of the theory of evolution and the loss of a true Biblical view of God, we need to realize that great confusion exists concerning natural disasters and their tragic consequences. We live in a culture that has disconnected the hand of God from creation in general and natural disasters in particular. Our culture is viewed by secularists as being at the mercy of “Mother Nature.” This pagan reference to a god that does not exist serves the godless culture in which we live. It is culture’s convenient and mindless way to avoid any reference or thought about God, His authority, and His divine purposes. Any recognition of God or His control of creation would place people under His authority, which is a threat to their sinful pride. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, I want to give Biblical answers to five pertinent questions that many people are asking about God and natural disasters. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Is God in control of all natural disasters?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Bible emphatically, consistently and repeatedly teaches that God created the world and everything in it. He has complete control over everything. <\/span>John 1:3<\/b><\/a> states, <\/span>\u201cAll things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Also see <\/span>Genesis 1:1<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Exodus 20:11<\/b><\/a>.) Furthermore, this Creator is also in constant control of every aspect of His creation. He is sustaining or upholding everything. <\/span>Hebrews 1:3<\/b><\/a> declares that Jesus is <\/span>“upholding all things by the word of his power.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Compare this with <\/span>Colossians 1:16-17<\/b><\/a>.) The Bible teaches that the heavens and the earth <\/span>\u201ccontinue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/span> (<\/span>Psalm 119:91<\/b><\/a>) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, it should not be a surprise to discover that God also creates and controls all natural disasters. In <\/span>Isaiah 45:7<\/b><\/a>, God states: <\/span>\u201cI form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil [calamities]: I the LORD do all these things.\u201d <\/b><\/i><\/span>The Hebrew word translated “evil” in this verse cannot possibly mean that God creates moral evil. The Scriptures emphatically deny this possibility. The God of the Bible is infinitely good and holy. Therefore, His very nature and His works cannot be morally evil or sinful. <\/span>(1 John 1:5<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> The word translated “evil” in<\/span> Isaiah 45:7<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span> refers to natural disasters. So, God clearly states that He creates natural disasters. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As we shall discover in this article, natural disasters are a part of God’s work through fallen creation. As a result of the sin of man in the Garden of Eden, the creation was cursed in ways that we struggle to comprehend. In <\/span>Romans 8:21-22<\/b><\/a>, the Apostle Paul stated that all of creation is under the sinful bondage of the curse of God. Part of this bondage is natural disasters. These natural disasters are an expression of the wrath of God upon the creation that will ultimately lead to the earth’s final demise. Speaking about the heavens and the earth, the Psalmist declared: <\/span>“They shall perish, … all of them shall wax old like a garment : as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Psalm 102:26<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There are a multitude of direct statements in the Bible that give testimony to God\u2019s control over the forces of His creation, even when they create disasters. God controls fire <\/span>(Psalm 148:8<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span>, stormy wind <\/span>(Psalm 148:8<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span>, rain <\/span>(Deuteronomy 28:12<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span>), drought <\/span>(Deuteronomy 11:17<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> and earthquakes. <\/span>(Nahum 1:5<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the following classic Biblical examples of God\u2019s control over natural disasters. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Genesis Flood- <\/span>Genesis 6-7<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah- <\/span>Genesis 19<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The fall of Jericho- <\/span>Joshua 6<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The events in Jonah’s life- <\/span>Jonah 1-4<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus’ control of storms on the Sea of Galilee<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The darkness and earthquake at the crucifixion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

An honest consideration of the direct Biblical statements and examples should remove all doubt that God controls all natural disasters. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What are the divine purposes for natural disasters?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Everything God does has a purpose. <\/span>Ecclesiastes 3:1<\/b><\/a> declares, <\/span>“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> We serve a God <\/span>“who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Ephesians 1:11<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> I have discovered that natural disasters have five divine purposes.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1. God is demonstrating His power and sovereignty!<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Bible is God’s revelation about Himself. It is not about us, but about His nature, power and sovereignty. All natural disasters are a statement to all mankind about His glory. In the book of Ezekiel, God states 38 times that His works (some of which are natural disasters) are to demonstrate to the world that He is God! For example, the purpose behind the massive earthquake and volcanic eruptions in <\/span>Ezekiel 38:18-22<\/b><\/a> is clearly stated: <\/span>“Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself: and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.” <\/b><\/i><\/span>(Ezekiel 38:23<\/a>) <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mankind does not realize just how powerful God is. He is the Almighty! The use of His creation is just one example of the revelation of His infinite power. For example, the energy released by an 8.0 earthquake is equal to the explosion of the complete nuclear arsenal of the United States and Russia — <\/span>all at one time<\/u><\/span>. The ancient prophet, Isaiah, correctly proclaimed: <\/span>“All the nations before him are as nothing: and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Isaiah 40:17<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2. God wants us to be still and recognize Him!<\/b><\/u><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Natural disasters are used by God to remind mankind that He is in control. He uses the powerful forces of His creation to cause us to stand still before Him. In <\/span>Psalm 46<\/b><\/a> the Psalmist speaks of enduring a massive earthquake and tsunami that brings divine desolation on the earth. Consequently, he declares God’s expected response from mankind: <\/span>“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Psalm 46:10<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3. God wants to humble us and destroy our prideful, independent spirit.<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the masses of humanity move through each day without a reverent thought about the person or power of God. In sinful pride, man has developed a lifestyle that is totally independent of God. As a result, God has crafted the use of natural disasters to make us realize just how weak and vulnerable we are to Him and His creation at any moment. <\/span>Isaiah 2:19-22<\/b><\/a> informs us that when the end of time comes, God will violently shake the earth in order to humble man and exalt Himself. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4. God wants to remind us of eternity.<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

When we hear of massive horrific calamities, we are reminded of just how fragile life is. In any given moment, any of us could experience a life-altering event that could usher us and our loved ones into eternity. The book of Job is a testimony to this reality. After God gave Satan permission to test His servant Job, his entire family and possessions, except his wife, were completely destroyed by several means, including fire and wind. <\/span>(Job 1:13-19<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> Job did not turn his back on God and ultimately declared: <\/span>\u201cWho knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Job 12:9-10<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> Throughout the book, Job gave his response to his trials by testifying concerning man’s mortality and the need to think about eternity. (See <\/span>Job 14:2, 5; 21:13<\/a>.)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5. God uses them for judgment and retribution.<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Biblical record from Genesis to Revelation gives testimony that God has used His powerful creation as a tool of retribution and judgment upon the wicked who strive with Him. After stating in <\/span>Isaiah 45:7<\/b><\/a> that He creates calamities, a couple verses later, God declares, <\/span>“Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker.”<\/b><\/i><\/span> (Isaiah 45:9<\/a>) <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

On many occasions, God has used natural disasters to bring His judgment upon wicked and godless cultures. (<\/span>Genesis 6:1-13; 18:20; Numbers 16:31-35; 1 Kings 16:30-17:1<\/b>; and Revelation 11:18<\/b><\/a>) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Why does God allow disasters to kill good people?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned before, there is much confusion about this subject because people do not have a proper Biblical view of God and the impact of sin upon the creation. In order to answer this question, we must consider several Bible truths.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

First, we must attempt to grasp the reality that God is sovereign over His creation. He can do whatever He wants to do within the limits of His divine holy nature and His binding eternal decrees. God does not need to be instructed in the path of goodness or justice. Who does man think he is to question the goodness or justice of God? The Bible challenges us: <\/span>“Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding<\/b><\/i><\/span>?”<\/i><\/span> <\/i>(Isaiah 40:13-14<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

After seven years of divine judgment, when King Nebuchadnezzar suffered from a horrible and humiliating mental illness, he was restored to his senses and declared: <\/span>“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” <\/b><\/i><\/span>(Daniel 4:35<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In <\/span>Isaiah 55:7-9<\/b><\/a>, the Lord calls for the wicked to forsake his unrighteous thoughts and ways, and submit to His divine infinite thoughts and ways. Finite sinful man must humbly realize that He cannot pretend to comprehend the will and ways of God. After speaking about God’s eternal covenant with Israel, the Apostle Paul responded: <\/span>“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? <\/b><\/i><\/span>(Romans 11:33-34<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Natural disasters are a part of the bondage of the creation as a result of the fall in <\/span>Genesis 3<\/b><\/a>. The creation is in a progressive deterioration that will culminate with its ultimate demise during the final days at the end of this age. <\/span>Psalm 102:25-26<\/b><\/a> declares: <\/span>\u201cOf old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shall thou change them, and they shall be changed.\u201d<\/b><\/i><\/span> Therefore, the death and destruction that accompany natural disasters are a result of this process, as directed by the sovereign plan of God. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Natural disasters are indiscriminant. They kill the righteous and the wicked. In our depraved way of thinking, bad things should only happen to bad people. However, Jesus taught that accidents or other horrific forms of death are not always an indication of the person’s spiritual condition. <\/span>(Luke 13:1-5<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Are natural disasters increasing?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Many secular sources indicate that natural disasters are increasing. See the chart below from www.sciblogs.co.nz.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1948<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Please notice that the sharp increase in natural disasters began in 1948, the same year that Israel became a nation. This is not a coincidence. The greatest sign of the last days is the beginning of the state of Israel. It is only fitting that the other major sign of the last days, natural disasters, also begin in the same year. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What does this tell us about God\u2019s prophetic clock?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus taught that the increase in natural disasters would be one of the signs of <\/span>“the beginning of sorrows [birth pangs].” <\/b><\/i><\/span>(Matthew 24:7-8<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> Like birth pangs, Jesus was indicating that natural disasters would increase in frequency and magnitude until their culmination at His revelation from heaven at the end of the Tribulation Period. The graph above shows the increase in natural disasters and certainly seems to demonstrate that we are experiencing the birth pang impact of natural disasters. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the reason why the book of the Revelation, which chronicles the final seven years leading up to the Revelation of Christ, is filled with horrific natural disasters. During the end of this age there will be earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, drought, asteroids imploding in earth’s atmosphere, intense heat, darkness, toxic algae, unusual cosmic developments, and hail. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

While referencing Jesus’ comments about these horrific natural disasters, Luke recorded Jesus warning:<\/span> “And when these thing <\/b><\/i><\/span>begin<\/b><\/u><\/i><\/span> to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” <\/b><\/i><\/span>(<\/span>Luke 21:28<\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

God is in control of natural disasters. He is orchestrating the increase of these calamities in frequency and intensity. All of this certainly tells us that we are living at a very dangerous, but exciting, time. Until the Rapture takes place, we can expect to see more and more devastating catastrophes. As these dangerous times unfold, please be reminded that we are not at the mercy of a blind fate. We are in the hands of the One who is displaying His sovereignty and power. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We do not know what the future holds for the days ahead, but we do know who holds the future in His hands. All of this certainly tells us that the Rapture is imminent. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Be ready for the shout that will take us out! <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Editorial on Organizing for Action<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

by Charles Krauthammer<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“I do not understand how living in a country with its democracy established over 200 years ago, and now, for the first time in history, suddenly we have one of our former presidents set up a group called ‘Organizing for Action’ (OFA).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OFA is 30,000+ strong and working to disrupt everything that our current president\u2019s administration is trying to do. This organization goes against our Democracy, and it is an operation that will destroy our way of governing. It goes against our Constitution, our laws, and the processes established over 200 years ago. If it is allowed to proceed then we will be living in chaos very much like third world countries are run. What good is it to have an established government if it is not going to be respected and allowed to follow our laws?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If you had an army some 30,000 strong and a court system stacked over the decades with judges who would allow you to break the laws, how much damage could you do to a country? We are about to find out in America!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our ex-president said he was going to stay involved through community organizing and speak out on the issues and that appears to be one post-administration promise he intends to keep. He has moved many of his administration’s top dogs over to Organizing for Action.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OFA is behind the strategic and tactical implementation of the resistance to the Trump Administration that we are seeing across America, and politically active courts are providing the leverage for this revolution.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OFA is dedicated to organizing communities for “progressive” change. Its issues are gun control, socialist healthcare, abortion, sexual equality, climate change, and of course, immigration reform.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OFA members were propped up by the ex-president’s message from the shadows: “Organizing is the building block of everything great we have accomplished. Organizers around the country are fighting for change in their communities and OFA is one of the groups on the front lines. Commit to this work in 2017 and beyond.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

OFA’s website says it obtained its “digital” assets from the ex-president’s re-election effort and that he inspired the movement. In short, it is the shadow government organization aimed at resisting and tearing down the Constitutional Republic we know as AMERICA.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Sperry, writing for the New York Post, says, \u201cThe OFA will fight President Donald Trump at every turn of his presidency and the ex-president will command them from a bunker less than two miles from the White House.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sperry writes that, \u201cThe ex-president is setting up a shadow government to sabotage the Trump administration through a network of non-profits led by OFA, which is growing its war chest (more than $40 million) and has some 250 offices nationwide. The OFA IRS filings, according to Sperry, indicate that the OFA has 32,525 (and growing) volunteers nationwide. The ex-president and his wife will oversee the operation from their home\/office in Washington DC.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Think about how this works. For example: Trump issues an immigration executive order; the OFA signals for protests and statements from pro-immigrant groups; the ACLU lawyers file lawsuits in jurisdictions where activist judges obstruct the laws; volunteers are called to protest at airports and Congressional town hall meetings; the leftist media springs to action in support of these activities; the twitter sphere lights up with social media; and violence follows. All of this happens from the ex-president’s signal that he is heartened by the protests.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If Barack Obama did not do enough to destroy this country in the 8 years he was in office, it appears his future plans are to destroy the foundation on which this country has operated on for the last 241 years.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If this does not scare you, then we are in worse trouble than you know.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

So, do your part. You have read it, so at least pass this on so others will know what we are up against. We are losing our country and we are so compliant. We are becoming a “PERFECT TARGET” for our enemy!”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Farewell To England<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The following came from an undisclosed source:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“This is an interesting ‘Farewell to England’ list of Islamic accomplishments in that country that I thought might give you a better understanding of the insidiousness of Hijrah; that’s the takeover of a nation without going to war.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t think for a moment that America is not a target or that there are no American cities where Islamic and Sharia victories and takeovers have already occurred. It’s time for border control, or start planning for a very big goodbye America party. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s what has already happened to England within a few years of opening their borders without entry control:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How the British have passively succumbed to the Muslim invasion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of London … MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Birmingham … MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Leeds .. MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Blackburn … MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Sheffield … MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Oxford .. MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Luton .. MUSLIM <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Oldham .. MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor of Rochdale . MUSLIM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

All the following achieved by just 4 million Muslims out of the <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

66 million population:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Over 3,000 Muslim Mosques<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Over 130 Muslim Sharia Courts<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Over 50 Muslim Sharia Councils<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Muslims Only No-Go Areas Across The UK<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Muslim Women… 78% don’t work and are on FREE benefits\/housing<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Muslim Men… 63% don’t work and are on FREE benefits\/housing<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Muslim Families… 6-8 children planning to go on FREE benefits\/housing and now all UK schools are ONLY serving HALAL MEAT<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

… and we (the USA) can’t decide on an ‘Immigration Policy’ ???”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Catching Pigs<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A friend of mine sent me the following parable that seems so fitting to our political situation today. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“Carl Marx said, ‘Remove one freedom per generation and soon you will have no freedom and no one would have noticed.’<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There was a chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab, the professor noticed one young man, an exchange student, who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The professor asked the young man what was the matter.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country’s government and install a new communist regime. In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange question.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

He asked: ‘Do you know how to catch wild pigs?’<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke. ‘You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come every day to eat the free food. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat that free corn again. You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd. Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.’<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America . The government keeps pushing us toward Communism\/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare entitlements, medicine, drugs, etc., while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time as the government forces us to participate in many of these programs whether or not we want to.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One should always remember two truths: There is no such thing as a free lunch, and you can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

BUT, God help us all when the gate slams shut!”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank You<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the last newsletter I mentioned that our ministry had 3 months of more expenses that income. Many of you generously gave and now we have completely recovered from our losses. We thank you for your response.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We pray that you will all have a most blessed Christmas. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

God and Natural Disasters .pdf \u201cAnd there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in [different] places. All these are the beginning of [birth pangs] ” Matthew 24:7-8 By Mike Wingfield North America has recently experienced some horrific and deadly natural disasters. When calamities of this magnitude occur, some people ask questions about God’s role […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":429,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,3,2,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-current-events","category-politics","category-prophecy","category-topical-bible-study"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=428"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ptnews.org\/wpupdater2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}